Andean Crossing: Tours, Prices & Schedules

Q: What type of luggage can I bring on the Andean Lakes Crossing, and how is it transported?

For the Andean Lakes Crossing, you are allowed one piece of luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) at no extra cost, with a maximum linear dimension of 158 cm (62 inches). Additionally, you can bring a carry-on bag (handbag or purse). If you have extra luggage, you must pay an additional US$ 25 for each extra piece. Luggage is collected at the start of the journey and returned at the destination, so you must carry your travel documents with you in your carry-on.

Q: How long does the Andean Lakes Crossing take?

This journey follows an international route connecting Puerto Varas, Chile, with Bariloche, Argentina, or vice versa, and takes approximately 12 hours to travel between the two countries.

Q: What type of boat is used for the Andean Crossing?

The lake segments of this tour are done on catamarans. Capacity varies by lake: some legs use vessels for up to 250 passengers, while others use boats for around 110 passengers. These boats are stable and designed for smooth, comfortable lake cruising. Matching the boat size to each segment also makes boarding and disembarking faster and easier.

Q: Can the Andean Lakes Crossing be done round trip in one day?

No, it is not possible due to the duration of the journey. You must plan to stay at least one night in the destination city. It is recommended to stay at least two nights to enjoy the activities the cities have to offer.

Q: Can I do the Andean Lakes Crossing with a private vehicle?

No, it is not possible to make the journey with a private car or motorcycle, as the staff and fleet are only equipped to transport passengers and bicycles.

Q: Are food or drinks available on board during the Andean Crossing tour?

Yes, during the boat segments of the Andean Crossing tour, there is a café on board offering food and drink options. You can pay with credit or debit card, or with local currency.

Q: Where is lunch served during the Andean Crossing tour?

On the Andean Crossing tour, the lunch location varies by season: during summer, lunch is served in Puerto Blest, while in winter, it takes place in Villa Peulla.

Q: How to book Andean Lakes Crossing from Bariloche?

You can book Andean Lakes Crossing from Bariloche online through Nomades.com, the largest tour booking platform in Chile. Just go to the activity page, choose the date, number of passengers, and pay online by credit card, bank transfer, or using a 10% deposit to pay the rest at destination.

Q: How far in advance should I book Andean Lakes Crossing from Bariloche?

The tour Andean Lakes Crossing from Bariloche can be booked up to 1 days before the departure date. However, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

Andean Crossing Bariloche–Puerto Varas with 3 lake cruises and a border crossing: Patagonian lakes, Valdivian rainforest, and views of Osorno Volcano.

All year round Free cancellation Free rescheduling

Price per person

US$ 277.00

Duration

12 hours and 45 minutes

Schedules

8:10 am to 8:00 pm

Includes

Pickup at specific accommodations (see details in the tour description)
Shared transportation
Navigation
Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)

Does not include

Meals (reference lunch in Peulla CLP$ 20.000 per person)
Boarding fee (AR$ 5.400 per person, payment in cash, or by debit card directly on the day of the tour)

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Hat to protect against the sun
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Snack
Water
Comfortable clothing
Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
Fleece clothing to stay warm (Polartec or similar)
Winter hat and gloves for the cold

Description

You’ll start with an overland transfer from Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo on the Llao Llao Peninsula. From there, you’ll begin your first cruise across Lake Nahuel Huapi, an iconic, historic route through Northern Patagonia, perfect for photos.

After arriving at Puerto Blest, you’ll continue by land along the Frías River to Lake Frías, where you’ll take a 25-minute cruise to the border-crossing area. After immigration procedures, you’ll continue by vehicle through Chile, passing Valdivian rainforest, waterfalls, and Andean forests on your way to Villa Peulla, located inside Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

Next, you’ll cruise across Lake Todos los Santos with views of Osorno Volcano. Finally, you’ll travel by road to Puerto Varas along Lake Llanquihue, where the tour ends at Del Salvador 72, Puerto Varas.

If you choose the round-trip option, you’ll return along the same route back to the starting point.

Important notes

Pickup is only provided at the following points:
- Hotel Tres Reyes.
- Oficina Mitre 150.
- Hotel Edelweiss.
- Hotel Sheraton.
- Hotel Cacique Inacayal.
- Km 2,5 Hotel Design Suites.
- Km 2,5 Hotel Villa Huinid.
- Km 7 Hotel Nido del Cóndor.
- Km 7 Hotel Rochester.
- Km 7 Hotel Lirolay.
Accommodation in Puerto Varas is not included (we recommend booking in advance).
For the round-trip option, you must include your return date in “Additional comments.”
Lunch is not included. You can purchase it in Villa Peulla or Puerto Blest, depending on the season you take the tour (reference price: CLP$ 20.000 per person).
Petrohué Falls: No stop is made at this attraction when the tour starts in Bariloche.

Price

Residents in Chile or Argentina

One-way or round trip program

Prices per person in American dollars (USD):

Date	Adult	Child (age 2 to 11)	Infant* (age 0 to 1)
Until 03/31/2026	$253	$127	$0
04/01/2026 a 03/31/2028	$277	$139	$0

*Infant without a seat, on an adult's lap.

Non-residents in Chile or Argentina

One-way program

Prices per person in American dollars (USD):

Date	Adult	Child (age 2 to 11)	Infant* (age 0 to 1)
Until 03/31/2026	$325	$162	$0
04/01/2026 a 03/31/2028	$355	$178	$0

*Infant without a seat, on an adult's lap.

Round-trip program

Precios por persona en dólares estadounidenses (USD):

Date	Adult	Child (age 2 to 11)	Infante* (age 0 to 1)
Until 03/31/2026	$486	$243	$0
04/01/2026 a 03/31/2028	$533	$267	$0

*Infant without a seat, on an adult's lap.

Orange segments: Ground transportation | Blue segments: Navigation

Frequently asked questions

What type of luggage can I bring on the Andean Lakes Crossing, and how is it transported?

How long does the Andean Lakes Crossing take?

What type of boat is used for the Andean Crossing?

Can the Andean Lakes Crossing be done round trip in one day?

Can I do the Andean Lakes Crossing with a private vehicle?

Are food or drinks available on board during the Andean Crossing tour?

Where is lunch served during the Andean Crossing tour?

How to book Andean Lakes Crossing from Bariloche?

How far in advance should I book Andean Lakes Crossing from Bariloche?